U.S. Races to Speed Up Delayed F-16 Deliveries to Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions with China. The United States is ramping up efforts to accelerate the production of delayed F-16V fighter jets bound for Taiwan, as the island faces mounting military pressure from Beijing. Taiwan's defence ministry confirmed that all 66 jets — originally due by 2026 — are now delayed because of factory relocations and supply-chain disruptions. To make up time, U.S. contractors are running 20-hour production shifts, with 10 aircraft set for flight testing this year and delivery beginning in 2026. The ministry also reported setbacks for U.S.-made MK-48 torpedoes and Raytheon's advanced glide bombs, both pushed back by up to two years. However, there's some good news — the powerful HIMARS rocket systems are arriving ahead of schedule, with the final batch expected by late 2026. Taipei says it's closely monitoring progress as both sides work to ensure the delayed weapons reach Taiwan as quickly as possible. [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]